Why Replace Through a Locksmith Instead of the Dealer?
When you lose your only car key, the dealership wants you to tow the car in, pay $300-$700+ for a key, wait several days, and possibly pay for a rental car in the meantime. Auburn Lock & Car Keys does the same job on-site for typically 30-60% less, often the same day you call.
We've made replacement keys for everything from 1990s Honda Civics with simple metal keys to brand-new BMWs, Teslas, and Range Rovers with proximity smart keys. The mobile auto locksmith industry has caught up with most dealers' programming capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
What Type of Car Key Do You Need?
There are basically five eras of car keys, and we handle all of them:
- Mechanical metal keys (mostly pre-1995) — Simple cut, no electronics. Cheapest to replace.
- Transponder keys (1996-2010ish) — Metal key with a chip in the head that has to be paired to the car. See our transponder programming service.
- Remote / flip keys (mid-2000s onward) — Combines a transponder key with an integrated lock/unlock/trunk remote.
- Laser-cut "sidewinder" keys (2005ish onward) — Modern high-security keys cut with a milling machine instead of a traditional cutter. More info.
- Proximity / smart keys (2010 onward, now standard on many cars) — Push-to-start vehicles use a key fob you keep in your pocket. Smart key programming.
"All Keys Lost" Service
This is a specialty situation. If you've lost every key to your vehicle — or just bought a used car with no working key — standard programming methods may not work because there's no working key to register the new one against. We have the tools to handle "all keys lost" scenarios on most vehicles, programming a new key directly through the vehicle's diagnostic port. Bring us proof of ownership (title, registration, or photo ID matching the registered owner) and we can usually get you driving again on the same visit.
What We Need From You
- Year, make, and model of the vehicle (and trim level if you know it)
- VIN if possible (helps us bring the right key blank)
- Proof of ownership — registration, title, or insurance card matching your ID
- If you still have a working key, bring it — programming is faster and cheaper
Call (253) 796-8550 with your vehicle info and we'll give you an exact quote.
